“I donated on behalf of my wife’s aunt, Ms. Glenda Park. I donated because I knew she needed a kidney, and I have two. That’s how it worked out. There was a need, and I knew I was able and willing.
“I talked to my wife, Katie, about the possibility of donating. Katie and I have three young children. Katie was nervous about whether or not she should try to do it, especially because of our children, and I told her I wanted to do it. I wanted to see if I was able to be a match, and I was hoping I would be able to be a match for Ms. Park. We weren’t a match, but, fortunately, we could go forward because of the paired kidney donation program. I donated on Dec. 18, which is our ninth wedding anniversary.
“My wife and I both are excited about this opportunity. Ms. Park raises her granddaughter, Emily, and she’s all her granddaughter has for parental support. This is really for both of them. We’re hoping this will give Ms. Park many years and more time to spend with Emily and with all of us.
“This is awesome because someone else is getting a kidney, and Ms. Park got hers, too. It’s great to know that you actually have the ability to help two people at once. The perspective that I’ve tried to keep in this is that I’m giving hope to somebody, not just a kidney.
“It’s a very selfless thing for someone to come forward and be willing to donate to start something like this. That is huge. Following after someone is easier oftentimes than taking the first step.
“I think this chain is truly amazing. It’s a testament to God’s grace and His example of how He can use one person to reach many.”
John Woolard - 33
“I think this chain is truly amazing. It’s a testament to God’s grace and His example of how He can use one person to reach many.”